Today, read 2 Kings 4: 8 - 37
What a rich story! We will spend two days of study with her. We see again the care that God has for women. This woman stands in contrast to the widow we met in verses 1 - 7. This lady is wealthy and far from physically destitute. She makes room in her life for God's prophet - providing him with food and lodging whenever he is in the area of Shunem. As we remember the gross idolatry and Baal worship that permeates Israel at this time ... it is no small thing that she welcomes a prophet of God. I see her standing against her culture. She not only welcomes Elisha, she goes the "extra mile" by providing a place for him in her own household.
This woman exudes the beautiful and gracious gift of hospitality. When Paul describes sincere love in Romans 12 ... listen as he says, "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." (Romans 12:13) The apostle Peter, in his letter to believers, says "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4: 8 - 9)
The Greek word used in these 2 references means: generous to guests; showing care to strangers. In the definitions of the English word, hospitable, we find: "being receptive and open".
We often fall into the trap of equating hospitality to wonderful party-giving. That is a wonderful gift and if you have it - by all means use it!! It is a blessing to your guests. But that is not the sense of this word and concept. Believers, we are to be hospitable people - all of us! And it has nothing to do with size of home or resources available or cooking skills. It has everything to do with heart - with how I receive people. My question for myself (and for you) is: Am I hospitable? If not, why not? How can I practice hospitality this week?
Another interesting point about hospitality before we close today ... Peter told us to practice this gracious gift "without complaint". Why did he go that far!? If I take that instruction to heart, then I must deal with heart attitude. How about you? I did some tracking on the word that Peter chose for "complaint". I had hoped it meant loud, boisterous, negative comments - because, that is not me. What I found was this: the word means "murmuring, muttering, a secret debate, a secret displeasure not openly avowed." Ouch! Hospitable - without complaint. Yes, we see again that God is more concerned with our hearts and our attitudes. The behaviors will follow.
So ... this week ... how can you be hospitable to everyone you interact with? Everyone you meet? Your family members with whom you live?
Practice hospitality ... without complaint ... Lord, help us see our own hearts in this matter. Help us know when we are ... and when we are not. You are our stellar example. The way you welcomed and cared for people ... all kinds. More like You, Jesus ... more like You.
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